About this trip
Nine days across the Galapagos islands, based from Quito, with a flexible itinerary shaped by a local leader who knows where to find the best wildlife encounters.
The appeal here is proximity — giant tortoises wandering past you, blue-footed boobies fishing in sync, sea lions and turtles sharing the water when you snorkel. Days mix guided wildlife viewing with time to swim, snorkel or simply sit on a beach.
Getting between islands means regular speedboat rides, which can be bumpy, so this suits travellers happy to take some rough water in their stride for the wildlife payoff.
What you'll do
- Watch giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat
- See blue-footed boobies perform their synchronised fishing display
- Snorkel with sea lions and swim alongside sea turtles
- Island-hop between Galapagos islands by speedboat
- Relax on beaches within one of the world's most distinctive ecosystems
- Optional 17-km hike over rocky terrain for those who want it
- Speedboat transfers between islands can be rough, and seasickness is common — worth discussing options with a health professional beforehand
- Quito sits at altitude, which can affect anyone regardless of fitness
- Wifi is patchy throughout and hot water isn't guaranteed, so pack accordingly and expect to disconnect
Worth it if you want exceptional island wildlife and guides who genuinely care. Think twice if you need seamless pre-trip communication or prefer staying in nicer accommodation in Ecuador.
- Tour guides (Priscila, Genesis, Isabella) were exceptionally knowledgeable, attentive, and made the Galápagos islands experience genuinely memorable.
- Pre-trip communication from Intrepid was poor; travellers found out about trips days before and struggled to locate starting hotel details.
- Quito hostel accommodation was substandard; most group members paid extra to stay elsewhere both nights there.
- Dining on the islands is noticeably pricey; guides could better advise on budget-friendly eating options beforehand.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Quito · 17 Mar – 18 Mar
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